The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination Vinyl Record Value Guide

This 1976 debut album by The Alan Parsons Project is a landmark of progressive rock, meticulously produced by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson. As a concept album dedicated to the macabre works of Edgar Allan Poe, it remains a staple for collectors who appreciate high-fidelity engineering and elaborate arrangements.

What Is The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination Vinyl Record Worth?

The typical price range for The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination Vinyl Record is $10 - $12 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the integrated multi-page booklet significantly impacts the $10-$12 market value.
• Vinyl surface condition, specifically the absence of surface noise during the quiet, atmospheric orchestral passages.
• The specific pressing origin, with original UK imports often being more desirable than domestic US re-releases.
• The integrity of the gatefold spine, which is prone to cracking and shelf wear due to the weight of the internal booklet.

How to Identify The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination Vinyl Record?

• Check for the original 1976 UK release labels, typically featuring the Charisma or 20th Century Records branding.
• Verify the gatefold sleeve construction, which often includes a multi-page booklet attached to the inside featuring Poe-inspired artwork.
• Look for the 'Arista' logo on later reissues, which distinguishes them from the initial 1976 pressings.
• Confirm the presence of the original lyric inner sleeve and the specific track listing starting with 'A Dream Within a Dream'.

History of The Alan Parsons Project - Tales of Mystery and Imagination Vinyl Record

The Alan Parsons Project was a British progressive rock band formed in 1975 by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson. 'Tales of Mystery and Imagination' was their debut album, released in 1976. It is a concept album based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe and is considered a classic of the progressive rock genre, showcasing Parsons' meticulous production and the band's elaborate arrangements.